First U.S. Case of Rare Fungal STI Reported
Sexually transmitted infections are no fun, but a fungal strain discovered in New York City has health officials on high alert. A new study published in the JAMA Dermatology journal illuminates what scientists have found in recent months.
“Healthcare providers should be aware that trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII [TMVII] is the latest in a group of severe skin infections to have now reached the United States,” study co-author Avrom Caplan said of the findings, per The New York Post. Trichophyton mentagrophytes is one of three common fungi known to cause ringworm in humans.
The research details the health journey of an unidentified New Yorker who became infected with TMVII. A rash appeared on his penis, buttocks, and limbs after traveling to England, Greece, and California, where he claims to have had sex with people who didn’t disclose any skin issues. TMVII cases have been on the rise in Europe.
“Since patients are often reluctant to discuss genital problems, physicians need to directly ask about rashes around the groin and buttocks, especially for those who are sexually active, have recently traveled abroad, and report itchy areas elsewhere on the body,” study senior author John Zampella said.
Trichophyton indotineae, a similar infection that is widespread in India and was first confirmed to be in the U.S. last year, is often treated using an antifungal medication called terbinafine. But the infection can be resistant to the medicine, they noted in a previous study published last month, possibly due to a genetic mutation in the fungus.
For now, the team is urging dermatologists to be on the lookout for TMVII and trichophyton indotineae symptoms despite U.S. rates being low so far. They hope to dive further into researching the two species of fungus in the coming months.
“These findings offer new insight into how some of the fungal skin infections spreading from South Asia can evade our go-to therapies,” Caplan said of the perceived antifungal resistance. “Beyond learning to recognize their misleading signs, physicians will need to ensure their treatment addresses each patient’s quality of life needs.”
As always, don’t be afraid to consult your doctor if you feel something isn’t right.
